There were laughs aplenty at Shakespeare House yesterday afternoon as the first read-through of our next production, 'Allo Allo' took place. With almost the whole cast present Director Neil Scott got to see his production come to life for the first time before rehearsals being in earnest tonight - and he was delighted with the results!

Our production of 'King Lear' has received a rave review from the Derby Evening Telegraph, with particular praise for Director Chris Scott and for Jenny Earl in the title role:

"Earl excels in the dual roles of tormented mother and despairing monarch, emphasising that whether King or commoner, the trauma of loss is equally profound. Her portrayal of mental breakdown is always believable as she struggles through states of anger and outrage, then remorse, for a lost child.

The clarity and power of her delivery makes Shakespeare's text a joy to engage with, in what is one the Bard's most demanding roles. She fully embraces the physicality of the part, whether it be with regal posturing, or displaying the vulnerability and bewilderment that can come with old age."

The Internet goblins here at DSTC HQ are working away feverishly with the various imps that maintain our archive to publish information and photographs from our past productions. With over 100 years of show behind us it's quite a big job but we're adding content all the time and you can get to it via our Production Gallery page.

Auditions for our upcoming production of 'King Lear' are at Shakespeare House on Monday 20th June at 7.30pm and Wednesday 22nd June at 7.30pm with potential recalls on Sunday 26th June at 2.30pm. There are no audition pieces, just select something from the text.

As always our auditions are open to all so please come along and get involved!

In the summer of 2017 we'll be returning to the beautiful Minack Theatre in Porthcurno, Cornwall with a production of 'The Comedy Of Errors' directed by Clare Snape!

The Minack is our favourite holiday destination and we're delighted to have been invited back to perform there again. Clare has directed excellent productions of 'Macbeth' and 'Pride & Prejudice' for us in recent years and we can't wait to see her fresh, funny and exciting take on 'The Comedy Of Errors'.

Auditions are open to all and will take place at Shakespeare House on Thursday 1st September at 7.30pm, Tuesday 6th September at 7.30pm and Thursday 8th September at 7.30pm. Recalls will be as required during the week commencing 12th September depending on individuals availability. There are no audition pieces for the main auditions, just select something from the text and come along - we look forward to seeing you!